A winning Westcott

The Syracuse Crunch is winning again. Veteran defenseman Duvie Westcott is a regular in the lineup.

Coincidence? I think not.

Westcott has played in 21 games since his senddown from Columbus on Jan. 22. The Crunch has points in all but four of those of those games, going 12-4-5.

Westcott has one goal and nine assists in that span, but here's the key stat: he's been a plus or even in 15 straight contests.

His potential offensive contributions were expected. His ability to help the lock down the defensive end and be solid on the penalty kill is a huge - and winning - bonus.

"Every team has skilled guys. Almost every team has good goaltending,'' he explained. "But it's the intangibles. Those are the guys that make the difference. I try to play that role as best I can.''

Westcott, by the way, is engaged to be married this summer. He said he and his girlfriend are planning a beach wedding in Mexico. She'll have the traditional dress; he said he'll be in white linen pants and shirt.